Hospital for elderly ‘on time and budget’

A NEW hospital for elderly people in the Lothians is set to open in time and on budget, health chiefs have said.

The £44 million Royal Victoria will be handed over in April, and is already beginning to take shape at its Western General site.

Health chiefs said it signalled an important progression on geriatric care, with every bed being in a private room and a range of other improvements from the current facility.

Gardens and day rooms will also be included, while the windows have been designed to allow staff to more easily see if a problem is developing.

NHS Lothian said the hospital would “become a landmark in Scottish healthcare history”, adding that privacy and dignity will be prioritised like never before.

Other features include “sleek bathroom pods” and “bright airy rooms”.

The scheme has also been funded publicly, meaning there is no risk of increased cost through PFI or the Scottish Government’s new non-profit distribution model.

Sue Gardiner, project manager of the hospital, said: “This a really exciting time.

“We have been working at the drawing board for a long time to ensure that patients have the highest-quality environment in a facility which meets their needs, so it is marvellous to see these things coming to life.”